Dust to Glory

Dust to Glory

Sooner or later, every self-respecting guy considers bidding adieu to his favorite old college hoodie. But admitting you've outgrown this trusty late-night throw-on staple doesn't mean being relegated to a grim lifetime of sportcoats and cardigans. Designer Joel K of Los Angeles label KZO agrees, suggesting this versatile leisure piece can still offer good looks for the grown-up guy.

Apparently, the reworking of the mundane is a favorite pastime of K, (nee Joel Knoernschild) a former cinematographer whose past career is reflected in his highly visual approach to men's everyday separates. With KZO's Psychomania Motorcycle Fleece, the hoodie has graduated to fashion-forward status with plenty of smart tailoring details that any gentleman (or his girlfriend) would prefer. With vintage motorcycle jacket-inspired asymmetrical zippers engineered seams, and a sleek new proportion—slightly tapered at the bottom with a subtle fullness at the shoulders—the once humble sweatshirt has become the season's ideal layering piece…and makes ditching old faithful a whole lot easier.

KZO Psychomania Motorcylcle Fleece, about $150, available at Addy and Ferro, 672 Fulton Street, New York; and at Douglas Fir, 8311 West 3rd Street Los Angeles. For more information, go to KZO at kazuo.com.